Public programs that help older adults with everyday costs
Several public programs help older adults with low income pay for Medicare, medicines, heating and meals. This guide explains what each program does and where to apply.
General information only. This guide is not medical, legal or financial advice. Talk with a physician, and with an elder-law or financial professional where money or legal papers are involved, about your own situation.
Help with Medicare costs
Medicare Savings Programs are run by states. They help people with limited income and savings pay Medicare Part A and Part B premiums. Some also cover deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.
Each state decides who qualifies, and the income and savings limits are set each year. Medicare lists the current limits on its website.
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary: helps with Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary: helps with the Part B premium.
- Qualifying Individual: helps with the Part B premium, is applied for again each year, and is first come, first served.
- Qualified Disabled and Working Individual: helps some working people with a disability pay the Part A premium.
- To apply, contact your parent's state Medicaid office.
Help with prescription drug costs
Extra Help is a Medicare program for people with limited income and savings. It lowers the cost of Part D drug plans, including premiums, deductibles and copays.
People who have full Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program or SSI get Extra Help automatically. Others can apply online through Social Security.
- Applying for Extra Help can also start an application for a Medicare Savings Program, unless the person opts out.
- A State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselor can help with the application at no cost.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) with questions about an Extra Help level or drug costs.
- Some states run their own programs that help with drug costs.
Help with heating bills
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, called LIHEAP, can help with heating bills. States run it, and the rules and timing vary by state.
Ways to find help with energy bills:
- Call the National Energy Assistance Referral line at 866-674-6327 to learn about LIHEAP where your parent lives.
- Ask about the local Weatherization Assistance Program, which can make a home more energy efficient.
- Ask the local Area Agency on Aging, senior center or social service agency about other programs.
Help with food and meals
Many communities have meal programs for older adults. Some serve meals at a senior center or religious community. Others deliver meals to people who find it hard to get out.
What to know about meal programs:
- Delivered meals may come daily or weekly, and many can handle special diets.
- Some programs look at age, mobility or financial need before they serve someone.
- Some are free, some charge a fee and some ask for a donation.
- Medicare does not usually pay for meal delivery, but Medicaid may pay for some if the person qualifies.
- The Eldercare Locator, 800-677-1116, can point you to local meal programs and other services.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Medicare suggests applying even if you are not sure. Some states use their own rules, so a person may qualify above the federal limits.
Often, yes. People who get help from a Medicare Savings Program, full Medicaid or SSI get Extra Help with drug costs automatically.
Some meal programs ask for a fee or a donation, and others do not. Some look at age, mobility or need. Ask the local program how it works.
Sources
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